Lionel Messi Wary of Bolivian Highlands

Argentina may be cruising towards the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but world player of the year Lionel Messi is still nervous ahead of Tuesday's trip to Bolivia.

 

Lionel Messi

 

The South American heavyweights are four points clear at the top of the qualifying table and enjoy an 11-point gap to the first team outside the four automatic qualifying positions with just six games left. Yet the trip to La Paz brings with it some bad memories for Messi and his teammates.

 

Last time Argentina played there in 2009 they were humiliated 6-1 and the Barcelona magician has not forgotten the uncomfortable feelings he had high up in the Andes that day.

 

"Bolivia is going to be very difficult because of the altitude. I have very bad memories from the last time," he admitted. "It's hard to judge the bounce of the ball and I remember feeling very short of breath."

 

Despite a side boasting the likes of Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Javier Zanetti, under the chaotic guidance of legend Diego Maradona, Argentina suffered their biggest defeat in 16 years when they last visited La Paz.

 

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